Week 5 Aftermath

BRONCOS 21-REDSKINS 19.  I am both disappointed and optimistic.  For one month now, I've heard about how lucky my Redskins were.  Beating the Bad Bears by 2.  Pulling a 1-pt game out of our butts in Dallas.  Having a missed FG by Seattle send a game into overtime that we ended up winning.  When hearing all of this, I just nodded and said "well, a win is a win" but deep down I knew that they were right.  We were the luckiest and weakest of the unbeatens.  However, it is in a loss that I've become more optimistic about my team.  The Redskins had every shot to beat Denver IN Denver.  A blocked FG.  A false start called on an attempted FG.  A crappy pass interference call that brought back a TD.  Two defensive mental lapses that got Tatum Bell his two TD runs.  And still...we were just an Ian Gold tipped pass away from tying the game 21-21 with a minute remaining in the game.  A game that we were down 21-10 late...and made a galiant comeback.  So what does that tell me??  We can control the ball on offense.  We can run AND pass that rock.  Our defense can hold their end of the bargain...since they know that the offense will keep plugging away.  And that brings hope....something us Redskins fans haven't felt DURING a season this century.  And despite the unbeaten bubble bursting....it feels good. (Sportz 1-0)

JETS 14-BUCCANEERS 12.  Another of the undefeateds was shot down as the Vinny-led Jets, somehow, upended Tampa.  By the way, nice going punching the official, Ronde Barber!  (Sportz 1-1)

JAGUARS 23-BENGALS 20.  A third undefeated went down as the Bengals finally had to play a tough team.  The Jags are a tough defensive team...something Cincy hadn't seen.  And the Jags didn't let Cincy jump on them early, which enabled them to continue running the football, something the Bengals haven't done well defending.  (Sportz 1-2)

COLTS 28-NINERS 3.  Well, Indy is the lone remaining unbeaten, as they methodically ripped apart San Francisco.  Question.  What was Mike Nolan thinking starting Alex Smith against a Colts defense that has allowed the least amount of points in the league???  I just don't understand that at all.  (Sportz 2-2)

SEAHAWKS 37-RAMS 31.  Well, the Rams offense did explode...sort of.  But their defense freakin' blows!!  Seattle officially has the upper hand in this "division".  (Sportz 2-3)

PACKERS 52-SAINTS 3.  We all could tell that Green Bay should win this game.  We all saw Favre get his groove back on Monday night.  But 52 points??  Granted, the Pack defense got two TDs and the Saints just didn't seem to care at all.  Now the Saints get to go "home" to San Antonio.  The Packers get their first win of the season...and still remain just one win behind the division leading Lions.  (Sportz 3-3)

BROWNS 20-BEARS 10.  How quickly can a game turn?  Chicago had this in the bag, until Trent Dilfer decided it was time to air it out and get two late TDs to end this thing.  The Bears offense has been very poor all season long...and they couldn't even get off on the AFC's worst defense.  (Sportz 4-3)

LIONS 35-RAVENS 17.  B-more was just 1 penalty shy of the NFL record.  The best sequence of football action was in this game.  (1) Lions' Kevin Jones plows over defender to gain yardage.  (2) On incompleted pass, Terrell Suggs gets flagged for tossing Joey Harrington down, bumps official, then is tossed.  (3) On 1st and goal from the 1, Jones is stuffed.  (4) On 2nd and goal, Jones is stuffed.  (4) On 3rd and goal, Harrington tosses ball out of the endzone.  A Ravens defender pulls out an "unsightly gesture" and gets flagged for it.  New set of downs on the 1 yard line for Detroit.  (5) Kevin Jones flips in the air and is stuffed.  (6) On 2nd and goal, Jones is stuffed...and injured.  (7) On 3rd and goal, Artose Pinner gets stuffed...but somehow gets the ball over the goal line.  (8) The play gets reviewed and the TD stands.  All of that took about 30 minutes of real time...but it was great, emotional action.  (Sportz 5-3)

PATRIOTS 31-FALCONS 28.  I was under the assumption that Vick would play...but that is no excuse for the loss.  Matt Schaub played well...and he wasn't the one that gave up those big scoring plays to Tom Brady.  (Sportz 5-4)

TITANS 34-TEXANS 20.  I should've known.  The Texans offense blows.  And don't let the 20 pts fool you....most of that damage was done after the game was decided.  But, at least Domanick Davis got me some yardage for my fantasy team.  (Sportz 5-5)

BILLS 20-DOLPHINS 14.  Like the Ravens, Miami couldn't keep their emotions in check.  A very sloppy game that featured a ton of penalties and turnovers.  Ugh.  (Sportz 5-6)

PANTHERS 24-CARDINALS 20.  Carolina pulled out a trap game.  Thank God I have Steve Smith and Stephen Davis on my fantasy team.  Three more TDs for me!!!  P.S. I loved Smith's TD celebration.  (Sportz 6-6)

COWBOYS 33-EAGLES 10.  I can't figure this out.  Dallas' defense has been a disappointment this season...and that Eagles offense has been so hot.  Yet, Dallas jumps all over Philly and shuts everything down.  Wow.  (Sports 6-7)

PICKEM STANDINGS
Treesoup   (46-28)
Sportz   (45-29)
Lew   (44-30)
Pre-Jock (44-30)
George Coztanza (43-31)
Monponsett   (43-31)
Jamie   (42-32)
Angel (41-33)
Raisin   (40-34)
Kiser Blade   (40-34)
Yannis   (37-37)

Sportz NBA Western Conference Preview

Go to SPORTZ' HOOPS LAND for my full review of each team.  I have lineups, coaching takes, best player, biggest additions, biggest subtractions and all the garbage an NBA fan needs for the upcoming season.

PACIFIC DIVISION:  1-PHOENIX SUNS

OVERVIEW: The team that finished the 2004-2005 season with the best record in the NBA went under numerous personnel changes....and not many are liking it. Gone are Joe Johnson and Quentin Richardson. Enter Bell, Diaw and Thomas. It is obvious that while Phoenix’s offense was electric, the team wanted to save money and get some defense into the Valley of the Sun. And that might not be a bad thing. Sure, the Suns may not win the Pacific Division...but they may be a much tougher out in the playoffs.

OUTLOOK: The Suns have the talent to repeat their Pac title. Or they could falter a bit. The issue here is that the Suns won’t be the team they were last year...even if they wanted to. But that team was slammed by the Spurs in the Western Finals. This team may have a shot to get past them. I feel they will squeak by with the Pacific title...but lose in the Western semifinals.

WESTERN RANK: 3

2-SACRAMENTO KINGS

OVERVIEW: Taking the Suns place as the offensive juggernaut could be the Kings. This is a team built on some offensive skill, but lacks the defensive heart to win titles. Like with the 2005 Suns, these Kings could look really good at times....and really bad at others. Defense will be a big issue. They have none. They dealt Doug Christie and Greg Ostertag away....both of which were the only defense they’ve had in the last 5 years [aside from Vlade’s flops].

OUTLOOK: Let’s see if you’ve heard this one before. Sacto will jump out to a big start; get the Pacific lead; then cough it up sometime in March or April.

WESTERN RANK: 4

3-GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

OVERVIEW: Golden State has, once again, become a trendy team tohit the postseason ranks. The reason was the addition of Davis late last year and the team going 18-10 to close out the year. But can they do it again? They have a very poor rebounding team and not much size overall. Foyle is primarily a defensive figure and Murphy is a shooter. With that kind of interior game...running will be a key component.

OUTLOOK: This team should be a running team, with Davis, Dunleavy and Richardon. However, this team lacks any kind of frontcourt that can get into a halfcourt scrum. So, it is a case of imposing their will on opponents...which means they have to create turnovers. They don’t have that type of team right now. But, I think they will be on the fringes of the playoff race most of the season possible getting in.

WESTERN RANK: 8

4-LOS ANGELES LAKERS

OVERVIEW: The team lacks an identity. No one really knows who will be starting [well, Kobe and Odom do] and no one knows where. No one knows what kind of style they will play. They could be a pressuring defensive team. They could be the run-and-gun team. They could be a triangle team. Or, and what most people think, they will be a Kobe wins the scoring title team, but the team wins just 35 games.

OUTLOOK: They maybe a playoff team...but there are a ton of issues to overcome. Can Odom be molded into Scottie Pippen [who is a Laker coach now]?? Can Kobe coexist with Phil? Can they bring the ball up the court without Kobe having to constantly do it? If anything, this season will test everyone involved with the Lakers. It will test Phil’s dedication despite losing. It will test Kobe’s direction. It will test the fans’ patience.

WESTERN RANK: 9

5-LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

OVERVIEW: The Clippers actually finished better than the Lakers last year. Barely. And that was one of the worst Laker seasons of all time. So not much has changed for the Clippers. Brand still is the leader, though Maggette is turning into a star. But, the biggest key to the season is if Dunleavy sticks with the young Livingston at point or goes to the veteran Cassell. Livingston is the future here, but if the team has a shot to contend for theplayoffs now...Cassell may get more time there. The problem there is that a Cassell-Mobley backcourt could mean the Clips offensive balance will be skewed and the real stars get shut out.

OUTLOOK: The Clippers will end up as the worst team in the division. Cassell will moan about Dunleavy to the point that he may start if the coach is in jeopardy of losing his job. Um, in Clipper Land, that is pretty much a certainty. Another 30-35 win season and a lottery shot. WESTERN RANK: 13

SOUTHWEST DIVISION:  1-SAN ANTONIO SPURS

OVERVIEW: How can a team that won the NBA title add pieces like Finley, Van Exel and Oberto?? Unreal. The Spurs will continue to play great defense and put offensive pressure on everyone they play. Now with a pretty darn good bench, the Spurs will be even more deadly and the favorites for the title.

OUTLOOK: Again, everything will revolve around Duncan, Parker and Ginobili. But those guys now get some more down time with those new additions...making them fresher for another playoff run. I see another NBA title.

WESTERN RANK: 1

2-HOUSTON ROCKETS

OVERVIEW: Van Gundy will want to start his offense in to Yao...but he does have the luxury of having McGrady bailing him out when the offense isn’t right. Though with all the changes they made, none of them truly helped their offense by adding scorers. But it does help by adding bodies that enable the scorers they have to be a tad more lethal. A key will be how the lead guard plays. Alston [aka Skip To My Lou] is a risk since he’s been trouble elsewhere and Houston really has no other true PG. But they have a ton of combo guards who, on any given night, could come up big. Yao must assert himself every night. Everyone is waiting for him to be dominant. With Swift beside him, maybe that aggressiveness will rub off on him. If so....watch out!

OUTLOOK: Despite all of the newness...it is Yao and T-Mac. Those two guys will be counted on to lead this team. I like the makeup of this team a lot. I don’t think they can topple the Spurs yet, but they could give them one heck of a series in the second round.

WESTERN RANK: 2

3-DALLAS MAVERICKS

OVERVIEW: This isn’t your older brother’s Mavs team. Usually, Mark Cuban loads up on a ton of talent even if they don’t mesh well. This year, the team is set up a bit differently, using a core group to get things done. Dirk will be the lead guy. He had a great scoring season last year and was All NBA. And, right now, he’s their only shooter. Stackhouse, Terry and Howard can pop shots...but not that consistently. And Dampier flows in an out of games where you have no idea what he’s gonna give you.

OUTLOOK: The Mavs need tofind someone to compliment Nowitzki. Defenses will be designed to hold him down. That means one of the others will have to step up his game and become that guy. Maybe it is Stackhouse. Maybe Terry. Either way, they can’t rely of Dirk to be their offense or they won’t last too long...and Cuban will have some more reworking to do.

WESTERN RANK: 6

4-MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

OVERVIEW: Gone are Bonzi Wells, Jason Williams and Stromile Swift. All had "issues" in Memphis that their losses aren’t so dire [except for Swift]. In their stead is some veteran leadership....all of whom have their own issues. Stoudamire leaves Portland with a rap of being a pot head. Eddie Jones leaves Miami with a rap of disappearing with teams need him the most. Bobby Jackson arrives as a player who was involved in some Sacramento whining issues and can’t stay healthy. And those guys are all in their 30s. On this team, it will be up to those guys, Miller and Gasol to score. They still have talent...but let’s see if the leadership gets there.

OUTLOOK: They aren’t in the division class with the Spurs, Rockets or Mavs. They aren’t as bad as the Hornets. So Grizz fans will be looking at the Lakes, Wolves, Warriors and Sonics in the standings. Whomever gets going out of that group could land a spot as the Spurs or Suns fodder in the playoffs. The Grizzlies have just as good a shot as any of them.

WESTERN RANK: 11

5-NEW ORLEANS/OKLAHOMA CITY HORNETS

OVERVIEW: Well, you got a young athletic team. You are in a new city where you may not be there long. And no one expects much from you. Run. Run. Run. This team is built to run in the backcourt. Paul and Smith [who should have battled last year in the ACC] will lead a very high flying backcourt. They can also keep running with Speedy Claxton and Kirk Snyder. And that’s about it. Magliore and Brown are solid players, but may want to be dealt to another team sometime this season [Brown may ultimately be]. Defense isn’t a strong suit...unless their sheer speed can get them into passing lanes. The problem with all of this is that Byron Scott likes to run a Princeton style offense that focuses on ball movement and cutters...something a team this young won’t be disciplined to do.

OUTLOOK: It is a lot to ask the Hornets to be a playoff team. Unlike the NFL Saints, they will have a primary home that they will have regular fan support and a place that should help them win some games. If anything, the Hornets may mail in this year as a loss-leader to get those young guys all of the playing time they need.

WESTERN RANK: 15

NORTHWEST DIVISION:  1-DENVER NUGGETS

OVERVIEW: Continuity. That’s the buzz word for the Nuggs. The past few years have been ones of big changes. Big deals that brought in new players. Not the case this year. The team is pretty much the exact same as it was when the playoffs ended last year. That’s good for a team that took half a season trying to figure out who they were. This season, the hope is that they can pick up their blazing hot success of March and April into the new season.

OUTLOOK: The up-tempo style that Karl brought to Denver should be even more lethal with a full training camp to prepare. The Northwest looks to be Denver’s to lose. Don’t be surprised if that Paul Pierce deal isn’t revisited at some point...since their perimeter shooting is pretty much just Leonard.

WESTERN RANK: 5

2-SEATTLE SONICS

OVERVIEW:  Last season, Seattle surprisingly took the Northwest title...and gave the Spurs a scare in the playoffs.  This year, they won't sneak up on anyone.  Ray Allen stayed around to be a Sonic, something the franchise were praying for.  Aside from a few guys, the team is still intact.  They will play a ball moving offense where drives to the basket and kick-outs to their shooters will be the norm.

OUTLOOK: The team also lost Antonio Daniels, which will hurt...but everyone else is back. The team relies on good perimeter shooting and a lot of big guys to lean on down low. The key will be if their defense perks up...something the Sonics lacked last year. Last year, they snatched the division ring while everyone was wading around. This year, the Nuggs are stacked, the Wolves are bent, and the Blazers and Jazz are hungry...so Seattle has a fight on their hands. I think that Allen will help them get back into the postseason.

WESTERN RANK: 7

3-MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

OVERVIEW: The Wolves missed the playoff for the first timein almost a decade...quite a step back for a team that was in the Western Finals in 2004. Chemistry issues and injuries really set the team back...and they haven’t really gone away. Latrell Sprewell may be returning to Minnesota with his issues; Olowokandi has been a huge bust thus far and got into some legal matters last season; Wally World has grown tired of constantly being on the trading block; and then there is Griffin who has his own legal rap sheet. Now they brought in McCants who is sort of a lone wolf of his own. And that hasn’t even addressed their on-court deficiencies. Their front line is weak. Their backcourt is smallish, though athletic. And they lack a proven #2 scorer.

OUTLOOK: With the way the West looks right now, the Wolves could again be on the outside of the playoff picture. They have a ton of questions that weren’t answered in the offseason. The key will be Garnett’s leadership and if he can put this team on his back, yet again, and carry it into the playoffs. I don’t think he can. WESTERN RANK: 10

4-UTAH JAZZ

OVERVIEW: This was a team of lost expectations. Injuries completely killed this team, who got off to such a hot start. Not to mention that their big free agent signings [Boozer and Okur] didn’t really wow anybody. But the addition of Williams could be a big difference maker. He was a great shooter and playmaker in college, sort of in the mold of a Jason Kidd. He plays solid defense too, which fits well on this team. Back is AK-47, who missed a big chunk of last year. With him gone, the team sunk to the bottom of the NBA.

OUTLOOK: Well, it can go two ways. One, everyone stays healthy and they reach their potential. Doing that, they put themselves with a shot to get to the playoffs. I just don’t see that happening...this year. Growing pains hopefully replace the physical pains as the Jazz make a valiant run, but come up short.

WESTERN RANK: 12

5-PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

OVERVIEW: This team is one of the youngest teams in the NBA. Their backcourt has just one year of NBA experience. I love what Telfair can do, but he’s helming a team as young as him. Webster rose up the draft charts and will get a ton of minutes to help him develop. Miles is a guy who has loads of talent but has yet to find himself in this league. Pryzbilla excelled as a starter...but that leaves Ratliff, one of the NBA’s all time shot blocking greats, on the bench.

OUTLOOK: This will be a learning season for the Blazers. McMillian will most likely get these guys to learn the art of defense...as it will help them develop as players and as a team. It also will keep them in some games that they may not have beenin before. Aside from that, it should be a long season in Portland.

WESTERN RANK: 14

Saints May Never Go Back To New Orleans

Report: Clause could allow team to leave New Orleans Posted: Friday October 7, 2005 6:52PM; Updated: Friday October 7, 2005 6:52PM

              could the Alamodome be the Saints' permament home?

SAN ANTONIO (Ticker) -- The effects of Hurricane Katrina could see the New Orleans Saints leave the Crescent City for good as a result of a clause in their contract with the Louisiana Superdome, according to a published report.

The San Antonio Express-News reported Friday that talks are ongoing between attorneys for Saints owner Tom Benson and the Superdome's controlling authority in the wake of the disaster, which caused a huge amount of damage to the 72,000-seat venue.

The damage is such that it could have opened a 90-day window under which the Saints could declare "force majeure" and void all contractual obligations with the state of Louisiana. Nov. 28 will mark 90 days since Katrina struck on Aug. 29.

The team's current lease runs until 2010, but demolition of the 30-year-old downtown facility still has not been ruled out as an option.

Force majeure is a legal term that frees parties from liability when an "act of God" such as a hurricane prevents one or both parties from fulfilling their contractual obligation.

Attorney Larry Roedel, representing the Louisiana Stadium & Exposition District which operates the dome, told the Express-News the 90-day window is almost certainly open.

"Although there may be some debate on that subject, the 90 days probably began when Hurricane Katrina struck, and we realized the dome had significant damage," Roedel said.

Attorney Phil Wittmann, who represents the Saints and Benson in Louisiana, agreed with Roedel.

"The events of August 29 would certainly fit the bill [for force majeure]," Wittmann told the newspaper. "The clock may well be ticking."

With New Orleans still in a state of crisis, neither party wants to discuss the matter at length. But even before Katrina struck, it was no secret that Benson had considered moving the team. San Antonio, where the Saints have set up a temporary home and will play three games this season, is believed to be his preferred destination.

The Saints reportedly are in the middle of a unique 10-year deal during which they receive $186.5 million for not moving from New Orleans, including $15 million this season. The city did not receive the revenue-generating 2010 Super Bowl, which was awarded Thursday by NFL owners to Miami.

Roedel also believes the state may have trumped force majeure by offering the Saints use of Tiger Stadium on the Louisiana State University campus in Baton Rouge as an alternative. The Saints will play four games there this season.

There is no indication, should they have the opportunity, that Benson and the Saints will leave New Orleans permanently. The team has the right to opt out of its deal with Louisiana at the end of this season by paying an $81 million exit penalty but would be free to leave if it could claim force majeure.

It was announced on Friday that the 2006 Sugar Bowl will be played at Atlanta's Georgia Dome on January 2.

Red Sox Reign Ends

Johnny Damnon summed it up best.  "All the magic and all the accolades that we got from last year are, all of a sudden, gone."

And the celebration ends.

In Boston at least.  The one year party that was the Red Sox first World Series title ended with a whimper Friday as they were swept in the Divisional series.  No repeat.  No magical series against the Yankees [who are in their own bit of trouble].  No more "Big Papi" or "Man-Ram" takes [well, not until the MVP awards are given out].  No more Terry Francona news conferences.  No more Red Sox. 

And the fact that they couldn't get to see the Yankees ouster from the playoffs because Game 4 was postponed by rain hurts just a little too. 

As I wrote a few days ago in the Two Minute Warning, the Red Sox are facing a new curse.  Now they are just a normal baseball team...albeit with a recent title, a great history and a landmark of a stadium.  But, they are no different than the Angels, Braves or Cardinals who are fighting to replace the Sox atop the baseball perch.  No different than the other 31 teams that want to get a World Series ring.  No different from the 100+ other championship teams that baseball has produced.  Basically, it is "move over, it is someone's else's turn."

This year, the Red Sox made big errors, poor pitching performances [namely from their pen]....all the things that they did so well last postseason...against a team that made all the right plays and right moves.  That was Boston last year....the darlings of baseball.  Last year, it seemed everyone was rooting for the Red Sox to beat the Yankees...then pushing aside the Cardinals.  Now it is the White Sox who pushed aside the defending champs and are trying to make history and erase nearly 9 decades of pain. 

For Boston, it was a magical two weeks that should and will be remembered in baseball lore.  But, that is where it lies.  Florida fans have the same memories of Josh Beckett in 2003 and Bobby Bonilla in 1997.  Angels fans remember that awesome comeback in Game 6 of the 2002 World Series.  Diamondbacks fans have Luis Gonzalez' floater that ended the 2001 World Series.  Just as I, a Reds fan, remember Eric Davis' diving catch and the Nasty Boys shutting down the A's in the 1990 World Series. 

The point is...Boston should've had a great time celebrating these past 12 months.  They deserved it.  You deserved it.  And in no way am I mocking, belittling or downing any of that.  I wish my Reds would experince that.  But a new champion will be crowned in a few weeks...so Red Sox propaganda can now leave my sights.  What inspired me to write this was seeing a commercial [while watching college football] on Bill Simmons book "Now I Can Die In Peace" about the Sox title.  I come upstairs to write this when I see a "Fever Pitch" DVD sitting atop my movie stand.  Instead of Red Sox eulogies [which, we all know that Boston will be back here again next year] we should be holding Chicago celebrations!

And that is where the new rooting lies.  When the Boston became a World Series championship town again, that put the "sorry city" tag back on Chicago where TWO teams lie in baseball purgatory.  Neither has won a Series in nearly a century.  Heck, the White Sox sweep over Boston was their first postseason series win since 1917, their last World Series title.  That's 88 years between post season series victories...let alone World Series titles.   The White Sox don't even have a Steve Bartman moment.  They have a thrown World Series in the worst scandal in baseball, maybe pro sports, history [yes, it trumps steroids and Pete Rose]. 

This postseason...it is the elder El Duque who made a masterful pitching performance.  It is Ozzie Guillen who is making all the right moves.  It is those rag-tag "idiots" in Pale Hose who are the ones who are hungry.  A White Sox fan can celebrate the fact that they won their first postseason series by sweeping the defending champion Red Sox in Fenway Park...which included coming back from down 4-0 in Game 2. 

So the White Sox are this year's underdog team....even though they have home field thru the entire playoffs.  I mean, there's no way the White Sox could win a World Series?  Right?

Anyways, congrats to the Red Sox on their year of overdue bliss.   But, hey, you still have the Patriots!  And, just like the motto for the 86 years prior...you always have next year.

Sportz Week 5 Picks

Sorry for my lack of blogging, e-mailing or general conversing.  I should have a preview of the NHL.  I should have a breakdown of the MLB Divisional series.  I generally write during the late night...but my recent sleep patterns have screwed all of that up.  And, later this morning, I will be having some little surgery done....so I'll be laid up for about a week.. Hopefully, I can get back in the swing of things with a little downtime.

But, one thing I will make sure I blog will be my Beloved NFL.  My Redskins are undefeated.  So is the team from the city in which I now live [Cincinnati].  My hometown was just on Monday Night Football [Charlotte] and my fantasy team is on a 2 game winning streak that puts me in 3rd place [right there in the playoff picture]. 

There are four unbeatens left.  I think only three will stay that way when the weekend ends.  I also feel that there will be no winless teams after this weekend.

So here is my Week 5 breakdown:

                       

REDSKINS at BRONCOS.  Clinton Ports vs the Broncos.  Champ Bailey vs the Redskins.  That's all well and good, but the key will be if the Skins defense can hold down a hot Jake Plummer.  Denver has a bevy of backs at their disposal to keep fresh guys in against that Skins defense that wore down against Seattle last week.  I just think it is too much for Washington to overcome.  Broncos 24-13

BUCCANEERS at JETS.  Vinny Testeverde, the guy that the Buccaneers drafted #1 oh so many years ago, takes over the reigns for the Jets.  Their offense is awful and that Buccs defense will be set to take the old man out.  The Cadillac may be dinged, but Michael Pittman can pick up the slack.  The Buccs stay undefeated.  Buccs 17-10

BENGALS AT JAGUARS.  The Jags are one team I can never figure out.  They look great one week...then stink the next.  The key will be if they can get to Carson Palmer.  If so, look for the Jags to wreck havoc and keep them in the game long enough to have Leftwich work his magic.  I don't think that will happen.  I feel that the Bengals will make a few big plays to keep themselves out of arms distance.  Bengals 23-17

COLTS AT NINERS.  Let's see.  Peyton Manning against a defense that Josh McCown torched last week.  Colts 41-10. 

SEAHAWKS AT RAMS.   This is only the 2nd home game for St. Louis.  I think their offense will be ready to explode.  I feel Holt and Bulger will have big games.  On the other side, Matt Hasselbeck loses his top two receivers [Jackson and Engram]...so Shaun Alexander must keep his hot streak alive.  It just won't be enough.  Rams 30-20

SAINTS AT PACKERS.  Another week...another city.  I think that plays a part in the Saints demise here.  Brett Favre won't let this team go to 0-5.  But if they do...it will be interesting to see how long they keep Favre out there.  They do have a future to look to.  Packers 24-21

BEARS AT BROWNS.  Both teams are coming off their bye week.  Both teams are 1-2.  The Browns, to me, can create offense and make things happen.  Chicago can't.  Browns 13-7

RAVENS AT LIONS.  Maybe I am stupid, but I'm going with the Lions 20-16

PATRIOTS AT FALCONS.  I know Tom Brady is mad...but Marty Schottenheimer was right.  Those injuries are catching up to the Pats.  It's even got the cool Brady a bit edgy.  The Falcons will run, run, run the way that the Chargers did to New England last week.  Falcons 17-10

TITANS AT TEXANS.  They gotta win sometime.  Texans 13-9

DOLPHINS AT BILLS.  Kelly Holcomb takes over for JP Losman.  It doesn't mean to much.  The Dolphins offense has improved so much in a year.  Dolphins 16-6

PANTHERS AT CARDINALS.  Carolina still doesn't look like a title contender.  Winning in the desert is one of those things that title teams have to do.   Panthers 26-17

EAGLES AT COWBOYS.  Dallas' defense just isn't good enough to contain Donovan McNabb.  Eagles 27-20

STEELERS AT CHARGERS.  Right now....no one's offense is clicking as well as San Diego's.  Chargers 33-17

PICKEM STANDINGS
Sportz   (39-21)
Treesoup   (38-22)
Lew   (36-24)
Jamie   (35-25)
Kiser Blade   (34-26)
Pre-Jock (34-26)
Monponsett   (34-26)
George Coztanza (34-26)
Raisin   (33-27)
Angel (33-27)
Yannis   (31-29)

Monponsett: N'England, Chicago, Buffalo, Tampa, Seattle, Houston, Indianapolis, Carolina, Philadelphia, Denver, Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Green Bay,

Kiser:  Panthers,  Falcons, Redskins, Dolphins, Buccaneers, Bears, Eagles, Ravens, Packers, Titans, Bengals, Colts, Seahawks, Steelers.

Treesoup:  Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, Atlanta, Green Bay, St.Louis, Tampa Bay, Houston, Indy, Arizona, Dallas, Denver, Jags, San Diego

George Coztanza:  Carolina, New England, Denver, Miami, NY Jets, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Green Bay, Houston, Jacksonville, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Pittsburgh

Raisin:  Batlimore, Cleveland, Miami, New England, Green Bay, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, Tennessee, Indianapolis, Carolina, Philadelphia, Denver, Cincinnati, San Diego

Lew:  Broncos, Bucs, Bengals, Colts, Seabags,  Packers, Browns, Ravens, Falcons, Titans, Dolphins, Panthers, Cowboys,  Bolts

Jamie:  Panthers, Falcons, Broncos, Bills, Bucs, Bears, Eagles, Ravens, Packers, Texans, Bengals, Colts, Seahawks, Chargers

Mrs Sportz Survivor Update

Law Student vs. Fish Monger
by Mrs. Sportz Assassin

MOST LIKED:    STEPHENIE
MOST HATED:  MARGARET
PLEASE VOTE OFF:  MARGARET

EPISODE 4:

WELLL...

a whole lot of nothing happened at the beginning of this episode.
good thing, because it quickly became confusing!!!
thank goodness for tivo, I had to pause and rewind a couple times!! lol

no physically demanding reward challenge this week
that was nice because they were about to kill these damn people!!!
instead it was a series of voting to give people stuff

who needed nourishment the most?
Yaxha:   Jamie
Nakum:  Danni
they each got an apple
Danni, who is the grotesquely anorexic looking  girl with the flabby butt, needed more than an apple!!!

example of the grotesqueness

who is the smelliest?
Yaxha:  Gary
Nakum:  Bobby Jon
they each got to take a shower in this little shower stall while the rest of the people
eye balled them and screamed things...

oh for example:  
Brian..."Gary we are going to be smelling you all night...just sniffing!!"
is there any mystery left people?!!!  can we just now CONFIRM what we've all ASSUMED?!!
LOL

who needs a picnic afternoon on top of a Mayan ruin the most?
Yaxha:  Gary and Amy
Nakum:  Margaret and Judd
they went on top of a ruin together and had chicken, potato salad, cookies, and tea.

Wait...I just realized...Gary got a shower and a picnic?!!!  wtf kind of sh*t is that?!!

the pic a nic ers... lol left before they could see what was really going on..
the big old switch a roo

the teams are now....(as if they weren't confusing enough for me toremember already)

Nakum:
Steph, Jamie, Brooke, Judd, Margaret, Rafe, Lydia, and Cindy

Yaxha:
Brian, Blake, Danni, Bobby Jon, Brandon, Amy and Gary

(I guess this crushes the dream of the Brian/Rafe romance lol)
(well maybe they'll meet back up in the merge lol)

MEANWHILE back at the picnic:

The four are discussing where they are from and what they do.
Margaret calls out Gary about being a former pro QB
Gary says, "No I'm a landscaper, I wish I was."

Later, in one of her side interviews...
Amy says, "watch him be retired and he's a multi millionaire, I'll kill him...I'LL FREAKIN KILL HIM!!"

ANYWAY....

 the picnic peeps return to find the camps they left totally changed...

Danni and Gary find themselves on the same team.
Gary is aware that Danni is the one who had been telling everyone he was a former Pro QB.

the conversation:

Gary:  who'd you think I was?
Danni:  I thought you played at Central Michigan and Phoenix
Gary:  NO...I WENT to Central Michigan I didn't PLAY there
Danni:  no?!?!  oooohhhh  (face was obvious that she didn't believe anything he said)

Danni in side interview:
"Maybe he doesn't want anyone to know he was a professional quarterback because you think right away he doesn't need the money."

Gary in side interview:
"I'm totally going to deny that I am Gary Hogeboom til the end.  I'm not gonna blow my strategy and that's my cover, so I'm keepin it."

LMAO

***************************************************************************

A LITTLE FYI ON GARY HAWKINS aka Gary Hogeboom

 

CLICK HERE

from the website:

....Former CMU quarterback Gary Hogeboom was known for his strong arm in both his collegiate and pro career. The Grand Rapids native led the Chippewas to their first Mid-American Conference championship in 1979. Hogeboom was named MAC "Offensive Player of the Year" that season and was also a first team All-MAC honoree. Boomer finished his career first in total offense gained in a single season (1,821 yards) and in a career (4,045). He had rushed for more yards than any other Chippewa QB (957) and was the first CMU signal caller to throw for successive 1,000-yard seasons. Hogeboom went on to play pro ball for the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, and Phoenix Cardinals. CMUChippewas.com sat down with the former quarterback earlier this fall to chat about the Chippewas, the NFL, and how life after football has been.

CMUChippewas.com: What are you up to now?

Hogeboom: I'm a dad. I have four kids and a great wife. I live in the Grand Haven/Holland area and I do little real estate developing, investing, I was coaching basketball and football up until this year. I also do some ministry work. I'm just trying to make ends meet and having fun doing it.

***************************************************************************
just to be clear, I found all this info w/o the sportz assassin aka Hubby's help
I may not be a football dork, but damn it I'm internet savvy!!! LMAO

 

So, the new tribes ...voting wise...are
Nakum 4 to 4    Yaxha 4 to 3

At Nakum, Steph and Jamie are trying to pull Judd in an alliance with them to make the odds 5 to 3 in their favor.  Judd seemed to be liking that idea.

Judd's side interview...had me CRYING laughing
I watched it about 8 times....laughed everytime, he's so like UNEDUCATED and stuff
Here are Judd's thoughts on all the men who were on the former Nakum tribe.....

"....tribe has been switched, man, it's great, I love it man, it didn't bother me at the least bit, I know it bothered Margaret, and Margaret's still walking on egg shells man, I'm just glad that I'm not involved with all those other guys man....  I mean we had  Bobby Jon, and we had Blake, and we had Brandon, and me, which was kind of uh you know  A MALE TOSTERONE THING......"

lmao he said MALE TOSTERONE

Over at Yaxha......

Blake and Bobby Jon are taking a piss break.
**side note...I saw Bobby Jon's stream of pee...YUCK can we get some better editing LoL

While peeing, the are discussing strategy.
They make a decision, and SHAKE HANDS on it
ok, G R O S S
I know there is no soap, or sanitizer, but P U K E I didn't need to see that!!

Amy's ankle is looking rough.  I don't know how she is not limping, she's one tough lady.
She nows if they loose the challenge, it will probably be her to go, she's keeping up appearances.

IMMUNITY CHALLENGE:

paddle a boat to retreive tribe color bags
bring bags to mat, untie, and empty
throw those thingys in the bag to the target and break all 3 tiles

(I'll be HONEST here, I just fast forwarded through this part lol)

Yaxha wins
Nakum is headed for Tribal Council

At Nakum:

Margaret is on Judd's a*s about staying true to the original team
Steph and Jamie are trying to flip him

WTF is Rafe doing to Lydia's back with the leaves and the water?!!!

Seems as if Judd will be the tie breaker for tonight.

TRIBAL COUNCIL:

nothing spectacular
Lydia vs. Brooke
Brooke is voted out
Margaret looks FURIOUS, Judd avoids her glances and stares.

 

VOTED OUT THIS WEEK:
BROOKE

 

 

here's an extra for other Survivor Dorks...
NEW DORK TIMES

oh and....

you can read ex survivors blog about Survivor HERE
mine's still better!! LMAO
it's more like chit chat message boarding between exs but it's funny..
and Coby is on there. LOL

FROM FORMER SURVIVOR SCOUT:
10/5/05 12:18 pm
Hey Castmates, I have heard from a guy named Ian who
started www.letmeonsurvivor.com. He's gathered over 2400 signatures so far. He's working hard to get Canadians on Survivor. What do think about this? Could be interesting...Canada versus the USA.

"I Got The Sunday Ticket"

                                     

"I Got the Sunday Ticket!"

DirecTV customers know that jingle by heart right now.  It follows that big dude from "Curb Your Enthusiasm" as he wonders around his neighborhood [which, apparantly, Dick Butkis, Barry Sanders and Peyton Manning live] as he sings a song which is a parody of "I Got the Golden Ticket" from Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka [side note:  I didn't pick up on that until Wonka was on TV and I heard that song, which drove me crazy to figure out where I heard it from].

For 5 years now, I've had the NFL Sunday Ticket.  It is the greatest thing God ever put on this planet.  Okay...my family is the greatest...but then the Sunday Ticket.  It has made my wife a Football Widow for several years now...but it saves us money in the fact that I won't leave my house on Sundays so we don't go out and spend money [well, the Dominos pizzas don't count]. 

It is the entire reason we bought DirecTV...and DirecTV knows that.  They've made themselves into the #1 satellite provider on the backs of the Sunday Ticket.  I went to Best Buy and gobbled up the hardware and instantly ordered the package.  And we've been together ever since.

So...what is NFL Sunday Ticket??  Well it is actually more than just every game on Sunday.  Here is a rundown:

-Every Sunday...I get every game [blackout restrictions do apply....so you still won't get your local game if it doesn't sell out].  Every game.  When noon hits, I get Fox NFL Sunday and the CBS NFL Today on about 9 channels.  Then, at 1:00, those channels turn into football games.  All of them.  In my Sportz Room [which if you are a man, you need to get one], I have THREE TVS set up for football.  Two have DirecTV receivers and one has an antenna to get the local game [read: Bengals].  So I really do maximize my football viewing. 

-Pre game coaches shows.  Remember I said at noon you get the pregames?  Well, before that, the coaches shows come on.  So, last week, the Joe Gibbs and Mike Holmgren shows were on before the guys at Fox previewed the action.  Pretty cool.

-NFL Sunday Snap.  Basically just a channel that runs the scores and stats on it. 

-The NFL Network.  A few years ago, on DirecTV customers had the channel.  Over the past couple of years, it has worked it's way on many cable providers.  The channel RULES....especially when they televise virtually every preaseason game.  But that channel is awesome during the week, as well.

                         

-Hightlights on demand.  This is a TIVO deal [which we got this past year], but on Mondays there are little clips in a highlight package of each game played that Sunday.  The clips last about 2 minutes...but they are great for people with DVD burners [like me] who will make their own 2005 season DVD [which I am doing for the Redskins]. 

                   

-Red Zone Channel.  This is a new thing [part of their add-on, the Superfan package].  It is an extra channel that just goes from game to game and brings you action that's getting hot.  The Buccs are threatening to score....so the channel heads to Tampa.  After they score, they go to Washington to see the Skins at the 25 yard line.  The only flaw here is that it only does it with Fox's games.  Pretty cool channel!!!

            

-Game Mix.  This may be the greatest channel of them all!! It shows 8 games at once!!!  EIGHT GAMES!!!  What I do is leave one TV on this channel.  When a team gets into the redzone, the box surrounding the game turns red.  I see this, then turn on to that game. 

                

-Short Cuts.  Starting Monday, every game played on Sunday Ticket [which excludes the ESPN and ABC games] will be cut up into a 30 minute game.  Meaning, no huddles, no commercials, no BS.  It will run a play.....everyone gets up....next play.  It is awesome!!!  Technically, you could watch this channel for 7 hours and have watched every game that past weekend!

                        

-Gametracker.  It is a service that DirecTV.com offers where it offers running stats on the internet.  Those of you know that I keep my computer on while I watch football...so my fantasy stats compile.  This site is a great supplement!!!

-Fantasy fours.  On that website, just a little Fantasy game between Sunday Ticket customers.

-NFL Europe games in springtime. 

 

Sportz Look Back At MLB Predictions

   

NL EAST
1-Florida Marlins
2-New York Mets
3-Atlanta Braves
4-Philadelphia Phillies
5-Washington Nationals

VERDICT:  It is no fun to pick the Braves every year!!!  Aside from that, everything went a tad bit topsy turvy in this division.  Before the season, I liked the Fish's overall talent and that "intangible" that just makes me like that team.  The Nats took a better liking to DC than I figured [credit to former Reds GM Jim Bowden]....but, technically, they did finish in last place [which would have put them just 1 game back in the NL West].  The Fightin' Phillies did an admirable job moving on without Jim Thome.  But that Braves farm system is not to be underrated.  Guys went out...and young guys stepped in and did the job.  That Bobby Cox sure can manage.

NL CENTRAL
1-St. Louis Cardinals
2-Chicago Cubs
3-Houston Astros
4-Cincinnati Reds
5-Milwaukee Brewers
6-Pittsburgh Pirates

VERDICT:  It isn't some wild prediction...but I got it right.  St. Louis is the class of the National League.  But how in the heck do the Cubs continue to falter?  There's a ton there, but they just don't get it done.  What a turnaround the Astros had...for the 2nd straight season.  I mean, this team was so bad on the road early in the season.  The Reds, Brewers and Pirates continue to be fodder for those teams with big payrolls...though Milwaukee emerged with a surprisingly mediocre season.  It was nice to see Ken Griffey blast again in Cincinnati....but so did everyone else in that ballpark.

NL WEST
1-San Francisco Giants
2-San Diego Padres
3-Los Angeles Dodgers
4-Arizona Diamondbacks
5-Colorado Rockies

VERDICT:  Well, I made this prediction under the assumption that Barry Bonds would have been back around the All Star break.  If he was, they would have taken this division.  I am dead sure of that.  But, it didn't work out.  But the team I had just below them did win the division, with a sad 82-80 record.  Ugh.  That was worse than 3 NL teams that didn't make the playoffs.  The Dodgers felt the squeeze from their defections [but losing Beltre was worth it, eh?  I mean...he isn't worth that money].  Oh, and those Rockies sure did suck.

AL EAST
1-New York Yankees
2-Boston Red Sox
3-Baltimore Orioles
4-Toronto Blue Jays
5-Tampa Bay Devil Rays

VERDICT:  I felt before the season began that the Yankees were built better for the regular season.  It took most of the year to get this done...but they won by the slimmest of margins [head-to-head].  Of course, the defending champ Boston would be there with them.  Baltimore was there in the mix before the entire bottom fell out.  Once Raffy was suspended....the O's just weren't the same.  Toronto continues to live in that mid-level land.  Did those D-Rays finish last again?

AL CENTRAL
1-Minnesota Twins
2-Chicago White Sox
3-Detroit Tigers
4-Cleveland Indians
5-Kansas City Royals

VERDICT:  Two things.  One, the White Sox exploded from the gate and didn't look back until September.  And I grossly underestimated the Indians.  While everyone was picking them as a vogue playoff team....I wanted to knock them down a peg.  Well, the team did make a strong push which ended with a late, late, late season slump.  To me, personally, the Twins were the biggest disappointment.  And those Royals finished with the worst record in baseball.

AL WEST
1-Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
2-Texas Rangers
3-Seattle Mariners
4-Oakland Athletics

VERDICT:  I've liked Anaheim to win the AL pennant all year long...and I am sticking with them.  Texas was rolling along nicely for a spell...until the A's took their thunder.  I honestly believed that Oakland's personnel changes would kill them for this year, at least.  But, never underestimate those A's.  Always underestimate those Mariners. 

FANTASY:  I did end up crushing everyone in my work's MLB SLUGGERS LEAGUE.  For a recap, ten of us each drafted 10 players [each position and one extra player], collect pts for HR, RBI, H and R....as well as Wins and Ks for the pitchers....and after lopping off the worst 4 players, whomever has the most pts wins!  My team consisted of:  1B-Derek Lee, 2B-Ray Durham, SS-Michael Young, 3B-Alex Rodriguez, OF-Bobby Abreau, Gary Sheffield, Johnny Damon, C-Mike Piazza, P-Johan Santana, X-Sean Casey.  Of course, A-Rod, Sheff and Santana got off for me.  But my shrewd move to take Derek Lee [whom I had the previous year] paid off.  Going into the draft in which I had the #2 pick [which I used for A-Rod], I was hoping to land David Ortiz in the 2nd round [who ended up being the best player in our league].  He was gobbled up pretty quickly, so I went with Sheff and made a note to eye Derek Lee later in the draft. 

POSTSEASON:  Hmm...here it goes.  Angels over Yankees.  Red Sox over White Sox.  Braves over Astros.  Cardinals over Padres.  Angels over Red Sox.  Cardinals over Braves.  Cardinals over Angels. 

NFL Quarterly Breakdown

PICKEM STANDINGS
Sportz   (39-21)
Treesoup   (38-22)
Lew   (36-24)
Jamie   (35-25)
Kiser Blade   (34-26)
Pre-Jock (34-26)
Monponsett   (34-26)
George Coztanza (34-26)
Raisin   (33-27)
Angel (33-27)
Yannis   (31-29)

Well, we are 4 weeks into the 2005 NFL season....and nobody knows anything about what is going on.  It would be cliche to say "parity is at work"...but it seems true.

There are four unbeatens remaining.  The Colts, Bengals, Buccaneers and Redskins.  However, none of their 15 combined wins have come against a team that currently holds a winning record.   The combined records of the teams that those four have beaten is 16-36.  Not exactly setting the world on fire, eh?  But these teams do have links.  Joe Gibbs and Jon Gruden have won Super Bowls already for their teams.  Tony Dungy's last job before the Colts was.....the Buccaneers.  Marvin Lewis' last job before the Bengals was....the Redskins.  This is the best start for both the Bengals and Redskins since they last went to the Super Bowl. 

Fifteen teams have 2 wins and/or 2 losses.  You have things like the Pats winning in Pittsburgh one week....then getting blown out at home by the Chargers the very next week.  Heck, the Dolphins, Bengals, Redskins, Bears and Buccs are first place teams.  What?

So here is my full 32 team power rankings as we enter our first quarter of the season.

                            

1-COLTS (4-0).  GOOD:  The offense hasn't clicked all year [well, until yesterday], but the team is still winning.  Their defense has gotten much better and much stronger.  They've proven they can win those tug-of-war battles that they've lost in the postseason.  BAD:  Teams will continue to drop 7 or 8 guys into coverage because it works.  Sure, no one has beaten the Colts, but the Jags,Ravens and Browns hung in long enough to have chances. 

2-EAGLES (3-1).  GOOD:   McNabb has been unreal so far this season.  Despite a sternum injury and a sports hernia, McNabb has performed as such a high level it is unbelievable.  His cronies, Owens and Westbrook, are also having great years.  BAD:  This team had to score 28 unanswered points to beat KC....one week after getting a kicker with a torn hammy to win it for them.  McNabb will be living with this injury all season long...and it will be interesting to see how it affects him and the team. 

3-BENGALS (4-0).  GOOD:  The biggest differences has been their defense and Carson Palmer's improvement.  Palmer is becoming a legit NFL QB...and his defense is giving him opportunities to score.  Cincy has become a vogue team again, and everyone is having fun.  BAD:  They haven't played anyone yet.  I still think they can be beat by a team that keeps the ball on the ground and are physical defensively.  They'll have one heck of a tough stretch on the horizon. 

4-PATRIOTS (2-2).  GOOD:  The Pats are the Pats, and in the surprisingly weakened AFC East, they have the talent and experience to still suceed.  BAD:  Injuries have killed the defense and they are really struggling to run the ball.  And despite what people say, I think the fact that Charlie Weis and Romeo Cronell are gone is a much bigger deal than they are letting on. 

5-STEELERS (2-1).  GOOD:  Well, they can run, pass and play defense.  Pretty solid team, I must say.  BAD:  I just don't think they have that "killer instict" yet where they can bury opponents.  Sure, they did bury the Titans and Texans...but those teams suck.  New England bit them....so may teams like Cincy. 

                               

6-FALCONS (3-1).  GOOD:  The team is doing what they did last season.  Run, run, run, run, run and play physical defense.  Michael Vick just wins games.  BAD:  The passing game is still suspect, so it is a wonder if they can make a comeback on an opponent.  Only once this season have they had to...and they didn't. 

7-BRONCOS (3-1).  GOOD:  They've taken out the Chargers and Chiefs in the AFC West...meaning that they look to be the strongest team in that division.  Their offense seems to be on fire as the defense is dealing with injuries.  And [can you believe it] Jake Plummer is being careful with the ball.  BAD:  Those defensive injuries could lurk into a problem down the road.  Still, they are a very prepared team. 

8-CHIEFS (2-2).  GOOD:  Their rushing attack is stellar and can punish an opponent.  The defense, though not perfect, is much improved.  BAD:  Their passing game has really been MIA.  Tony Gonzalez hasn't been a factor at all this season.  Also, the Monday night blowout to the Broncos and the meltdown against the Eagles has to play with their psyche. 

9-CHARGERS (2-2).  GOOD:  After starting 0-2, the Bolts have won their last 2 with stellar offense....scoring over 40 points in their two wins.  I mean,they just went into Foxboro and embarrassed the Patriots.  LaDalinan Tomlinson may be the MVP of the first four weeks.  BAD:  The defense is still a bit shaky, even though they did well in Foxboro. 

10-BUCCANEERS (4-0).  GOOD:  They've found a great offensive cog in the Cadillac.  Brian Griese isn't forcing any issues and making mistakes.  The defense is getting some swagger back.  BAD:  Like the other unbeatens, Tampa hasn't beaten anyone yet.  Their opponent's combined record is 3-11...and two of those 3 wins were against teams that are currently winless.

                                 

11-PANTHERS (2-2).  GOOD:  The offense is putting points on the board.  Steve Smith and Stephen Davis have made a big splash after missing most of 2004 with injuries.  BAD:  The defense is pretty good, but they seem to buckle at times.  Jake Delhomme also buckles.  He's made a ridiculous play in every game this season. 

12-REDSKINS (3-0).  GOOD:  Well, the defense has played great.  Aside from the 4th quarter against Seattle...they not bent nor broke during a game.  Marky Mark Brunell seems to be more comfortable with the offense.  While this team isn't a juggernaut, they are starting to get confidence.  BAD:  Realistically, they could be 0-3.  A miracle finish in Dallas and a Seattle FG that hit the upright as time expired have been bullets dodged by the team. 

13-JAGUARS (2-2).  GOOD:  Their defense has performed well, while Byron Leftwich has emerged as a complete leader for this team.  BAD:  This is one of those teams you just can't figure out.  They have lapses on both sides of the ball and just seem to go into creative funks at times. 

14-GIANTS (3-1).  GOOD:  Eli Manning has joined the Carson Palmer "Train to #1 Success!"  Manning has been able to open up this Giatns offense...as Plaxico Burress and Jeremey Shockey have become lethal weapon.  BAD:  The G-men still have defensive lapse, as that beatdown San Diego gave them proved.   

15-COWBOYS (2-2):  GOOD:  Dallas has been able to scorea despite having a suspect rushing attack.  BAD:  Every game they've played has come down to the wire. 

                                     

16-SEAHAWKS (2-2).  GOOD:  They are an excellent redzone team.  Shaun Alexander [when they use him] is still playing at a high level.  Darrell Jackson is also having a great season thus far.  BAD:  Seattle has been known for choking...and they've done it this year.  They choked away a win in Washington and nearly choked a win against Atlanta. 

17-RAMS (2-2).  GOOD:  Well, the offense can still score it up.  BAD:  Well, they've lost to San Fran and barely beat the Cards and Titans.  They were lambasted in New York.  So, the only real team they've played was the Giants and it wasn't even a contest.  Bulger's getting nailed all game and the running game isn't on track.  Bottom line, this team isn't reaching its potential. 

18-DOLPHINS (2-1).  GOOD:  Somehow, this team has beaten the Broncos and Panthers...and lost a close game to the Jets.  Their defense is back to their strong form, while the offense has suddenly been able to score.  And that is with Ronnie Brown still learning and Ricky Williams still waiting to get back in the action.  BAD:  It will be interesting to see what occurs with this team when Williams does come back.  Also, can Gus Frerotte keep this up? 

19-SAINTS (2-2).  GOOD:  They have as much talent as anyone...they just can't seem to bring it together.  They said they would be committed to running the ball...and dadgum they have!  BAD:  The passing game still needs work.  Also, this team has had to deal with logistical issues that no other team has had to endure.  With San Antonio treating the Saints as they were a hometown team, it seems that N'Awlins has a good home. 

20-RAIDERS (1-3).  GOOD:  The offense has the ability to make big plays and, it seems, an ability to make comebacks.  Despite losing 3 games...they've had tough breaks against the Eagles and Chiefs and looked well in New England.  BAD:  They haven't always used the talent.  Their defense isn't good and key offensive players [Moss, Jordan] and trying to fit into their roles. 

                               

21-RAVENS (1-2).  GOOD:  The defense has seemed to stiffen a bit after falling a bit.  BAD:  The offense is horrible, even with Jamal Lewis healthy and active.  And whiletheir defense is getting better, they aren't as great as they were in the past and can't completely cover up the offenses problems. 

22-JETS (1-3).  GOOD:  That defense, while undersized, has speed and will keep them in games.  If Curtis Martin can get back on track, that will help as well.  BAD:  Chad Pennington is probably done for the year and Jay Fiedler is out.  Teams won't respect them vertically [unless Vinny gets in there and tears it up] which will cause their running game to suffer too. 

23-VIKINGS (1-3).  GOOD:  Daunte Culpepper can still sling it.  And it seems that Mewedle Moore could be their featured back.  And playing in the NFC North, the Vikes still have a shot at the playoffs if they come out of their bye hungry.  BAD:  Bad decisions by Culpepper have hurt this team badly.  That defense, which was to be so much improved, has looked like it alwasys have.  I mean, it is one thing tohave Vick make you look bad...but Matt Shaub did too.  Also, questions over Mike Tice's job will hover over the Metrodome. 

24-BROWNS (1-2).  GOOD:  Trent Dilfer, Ruben Droughns and Braylon Edwards have given the Browns an ability to move the ball and score some points.  They aren't pushovers.  BAD:  Their defense can be pushovers at times.  Not to mention the very basic Browns schemes may be figured out by opponents soon.

25-BEARS (1-2).  GOOD:  They look like the best team in the NFC North.  Why?  Well, they can run the ball [no one else can] and play stellar defense [no one else can].  BAD:  Their passing game has issues with Kyle Orton at the helm.  It isn't his fault, I mean, he is a rookie QB without a lot around him.  But it will be tough for them to come back from big deficits. 

                                 

26-LIONS (1-2).  GOOD:  The defense has played decent.  They held down the Packers and were relatively effective against the Buccs.  And that Bears scores weren't all the defenses part.  They scored, what, 3 non-offensive TDs.  BAD:  Well, the offense.  Joey Harrington looks horrible.  Kevin Jones has done nothing.  They have 4 very good receivers but can't get the ball to them.  This thing could turn on the Lions very quickly. 

27-PACKERS (0-4).  GOOD:  Not much, but the team still can score TDs.  Honestly, if it wasn't for Brett Favre, this team would have nothing.  BAD:  That defense is horrible...and when they do hold someone, they get a penalty.  Favre, though moving the ball, hasn't been to crisp either.  No Javon Walker has hurt the team.  There is absolutely no run game there.   

28-TITANS (1-3).  GOOD:  McNair isn't back to his 2003 form...but he's become very effective again.  He won't win any MVP awards this year, but he's showing how valueable he is to this franchise.  BAD: And the whole year will go down the tubes if McNair gets hurt again.  That defense is just way to young to be too effective. 

29-BILLS (1-3).  GOOD:  The defense can still bring it, though they've suffered some injuries as well.  Willis McGahee seems to be starting to hitting his stride.  BAD:  They have no passing game, and may be looking to bail on JP Losman.  It is sad to say, but he is costing the Bills victories...and Kelly Holcomb may not just be a stopgap. 

30-CARDINALS (1-3).  GOOD:  There is talent all over the place.  McCown looks to be the guy at QB for Arizona.  BAD:  But they had to go to Mexico and find that out against the Niners.  The offense has, at times, looked clueless.  I mean, they had horrible clock management that cost them a game against St. Louis and were totally screwed up against  Seattle. 

31-NINERS (1-3).  GOOD:  I've actually been impressed with the Niners this year.  Brandon Lloyd has looked pretty good.  They beat St. Louis and looked strong against Dallas.  BAD:  But, those games aren't looking too impressive anymore.  Their running game is crap and they have no idea what they are gonna get on defense. 

32-TEXANS (0-3).  GOOD:  Well, um.  BAD:  This team has fallen apart.  The offense is in shambles, as the offensive coordinator has already been canned.  David Carr has regressed and Domanick Davis has been a dud.  Their defense, which was reliable, isn't.

SPORTZ FOOTBALL ROUNDUP - 10/3

SPORTZ NCAA TOP 12
1-USC:  No one can stop this offense....but ASU showed that you can score on them.  Just not enough.
2-TEXAS:  Now they are rolling thru the Big XII
3-VIRGINIA TECH:  Shame that their rivalry with WVU will end.
4-FLORIDA STATE:  Although I'm not enamored with this team...they have beaten some good teams thus far.
5-GEORGIA:  Dawgs had a week off.
6-OHIO STATE:  Could be that 1-loss team that gets into title hunt.
7-TENNESSEE:  Big stones for the Vols to make that big comeback at LSU last week, especially after the tough loss in Gainsville a week earlier.
8-LSU:  Tough to lose to the Vols on Monday, then head to Miss State to play on Saturday
9-MIAMI:  The Canes still aren't convincing to me
10-ALABAMA:  I guess they are for real
11-FLORIDA:  Wow.  They were completely dismantled by the Tide.
12-CALIFORNIA:  Still waiting for USC to come to town.

NFL WEEK FOUR

WASHINGTON REDSKINS REMAIN UNDEFEATED:  But with a little controversy.  On the Skins' second TD drive, a pass interference penalty put Washington in the redzone.  Upon review...I really didn't see any penalty.  The Skins blew their 14-3 lead to Seattle...dodged a missed FG as time expired....then won the game in overtime.  Mark Brunell looks even more comfortable in the offense...and that defense remains stellar. 

CINCINNATI BENGALS REMAIN UNDEFEATED:  But with a little controversy.  Houston, down 13-10, was driving when David Carr was hit, he threw the ball forward, it hit the ground, a Bengal rolled over on it.  The officials called it a fumble with Cincy possession.  Upon further review...they were wrong.  Yet, they reviewed it and failed to overturn.  The Bengals ended up going 4-0.  

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS REMAIN UNDEFEATED:  But with a little controversy.  The Lions were driving late...and Harrington tossed a TD pass to Marcus Pollard.  The refs called it a TD...but after further review, they overturned it.  If you watch the replay, you can pause it for a sec and see Pollard with the ball and his knee down inbounds.  But, I honestly agree with the call because it doesn't look as if he had possession until he slid out of bounds.  Tampa is now 4-0. 

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS REMAIN UNDEFEATED:  No controversy here.  Peyton Manning looked as he should, tossing 4 TD passes, including two to Marvin Harrison.  Colts are 4-0.

RAVENS, RAIDERS FINALLY WIN A GAME:  But the Texans still haven't won. 

SAINTS WIN IN SAN ANTONIO:  It was quite a rabid atmosphere...and it was evident that the Saints fed off the crowd.  I just wish the NFL could have figured this out sooner and had Week 2's game there too. 

NFC SOUTH TEAMS ALL WIN:  Well, the Panthers play on Monday...but the Falcons, Buccs and Saints all won. 

AFC EAST TEAMS ALL LOSE:  Well, the Dolphins had a bye....but the Patriots, Jets and Bills all were beaten.  And NONE of those teams looked good at all. 

NFC NORTH IS THE WORST DIVISION IN FOOTBALL:  Right now, the 1-2 Bears led the division.  And this is a team that threw 5 picks in their last game.  That hadn't been done since....well, division mates Minnesota did it...well, the week before.  The only division that comes close is the NFC West...which Seattle and St. Louis lost...with San Fran and Arizona playing across the border. 

Reds 2006...Independence Squeaks By...Huggs Roast...Smith Retires

                     

THE REDS WILL CONTINUE TO BE MEDIOCRE. 

At least they didn't lose 100 games....but soon ends the Reds 2005 season.  Aside from a pleasant comeback season from Junior Griffey....the first season in nearly two decades with no Barry Larkin.......the firing of Manager Miley....and Eric Milton amazingly not straining his neck watching those dingers he gave up....nothing of any significance happened.

Nothing.

And so is life as a Reds fan.  I root for a team that brings a knife to a gunfight.  The eight teams you will watch play over the next 3 weeks have a lot in common.  They invest time and money into their team.  Not just throwing money at anyone...but knowing how to use their money. 

The Reds biggest free agent, Eric Milton, pretty much should be the poster boy for the 2005 season.  The front office was given the green light to splurge just a tad....and they bring in a gopher ball pitcher to one of the best home run parks in the majors.  Smart.  I'd rather have 2 or 3 cheaper ground ball pitchers that could keep it in the yard than Milton, the 3 run inning starter. 

And name the last player the Reds developed.  Well, there is Adam Dunn.  He can mash with the best of them....but doesn't know how to hit a sacrafice fly.  Griffey and Sean Casey are solid.  Everything else if just a stop gap or someone's else's project. 

Take a picture of this season....because next season may look the same.  New ownership will be around...and 2006 will pretty much be an open audition for Reds to keep their Cincinnati jobs.  With no Carl Linder around....Griffey could very well be dealt.  So could Casey.  Or maybe Dunn.  Or Wily Mo Pena.  If the Reds don't WOW everyone right out of the gate....then the season will be written off by the All Star break. 

INDEPENDENCE BARELY KEEPS STREAK ALIVE

I've touted it here before, but my ol' high school....Independence High in Charlotte, NC....has won 83 straight football games.  That is the longest current streak in the nation. 

Well, it almost ended on Friday.  Playing Providence High [where former Tar Heel, 1998 National Player Of the Year and current Wizard Antwan Jamison went to school] who brought an equal 5-0 record into the matchup, the Patriots nearly let one slip away. 

Providence jumped on Independence early....holding a 28-0 lead in the first quarter.  But, the Independence Patriots chipped away at the lead...trailing 35-21 at halftime.  The Panthers scored quickly in the 3rd to gain a 42-21 advantage.  Independence scored the last 24 points of the game to gain the victory, 45-42. 

                      

HUGGS GETS ROASTED

There was an event held a few nights ago in Cincinnati.  The Bob Huggins roast.  Proceeds went to charity [Emanuel Center and Katrina aid]. 

Over 6,000 people attended the roast...which sold $1,000 tickets to be seated on the floor.  The roasters included fellow coaches Rick Pitino of Louisville, Tubby Smith of Kentucky, Bobby Lutz of Charlotte, John Calipari of Memphis and the now-retired Charlie Spoonhour.  Most took shots at Huggins, per roast custom.  Everyone thanked him and wished him luck as he sets out for a new challenge. 

The only angry moment came from former Bearcat Kenyon Martin.  Martin said: "This is personal between me and the university.  The way I feel, I want my name no longer affiliated with the University of Cincinnati. I would like them to take my jersey down and get rid of my locker and my trophies."

STEVE SMITH TO RETIRE

Steve Smith is set to call it a career.  While I never really had any close ties with Smith...I am sad to see him go.  He was a great embassador to the NBA and won many citizenship awards.  Last year he split time in Charlotte and Miami.

Smith came out of Michigan State highly touted.  Drafted by the Miami Heat in 1991...he also spent time in Atlanta, Portland, San Antonio, New Orleans and Charlotte.  He won an NBA Championship with the Spurs in 2003.  He won a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. 

 

Timmy Smith, Super Bowl Rushing Record Holder, Busted With Cocaine

                   

DENVER (AP) -- Timmy Smith, who set a Super Bowl rushing record when he played for the Washington Redskins in 1988, was arrested Friday on suspicion of conspiracy after allegedly trying to sell cocaine to an undercover drug agent, federal authorities said.

Smith, 41, of Denver, and his brother, 35-year-old Chris Smith of suburban Lakewood, both face charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, said Jeffrey D. Sweetin, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's Rocky Mountain Division.

"It doesn't matter how famous you are, what sport you play or what records you hold," Sweetin said. "The American people will not tolerate such disregard for the law, and neither will the DEA."

If convicted, each faces 10 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $4 million. The two were in custody and due in court Monday. Bond had not been set and if was unclear if they had lawyers by early Friday evening.

Smith allegedly delivered 20 ounces of cocaine to an undercover agent in a restaurant parking lot, but then fled and was arrested about 20 minutes later by Denver police less than a mile away, DEA Special Agent Jeffrey Walsh said.

Chris Smith, who allegedly gave his brother the drugs, was arrested without incident within blocks of the parking lot. His 2-year-old son was with him.

Sweetin said Timmy Smith allegedly delivered cocaine to undercover agents seven times in the Denver metro area. Chris Smith was present at six of those sales, Sweetin said.

Authorities said the investigation, which began in April, has resulted in the seizure of 1.3 kilograms -- or about 2.8 pounds -- of cocaine and assets worth about $100,000, including two cars and a motorcycle. Authorities said they found a firearm, drug packaging and other equipment during a search of Chris Smith's home.

Sweetin said investigators were aware they were dealing with a former NFL running back and that Smith gave an autographed photograph to an undercover agent.

"He was very obvious, he discussed who he was," Sweetin said.

Timmy Smith worked as a detention officer at the Gilliam Youth Services Center, said Tanya Lyons, assistant director of the center. She would not comment on his employment status, saying it was a personal matter and under investigation.

Sweetin said there was no indication Smith sold drugs at the center.

Timmy Smith also has coached at youth football camps, Sweetin said. Authorities believe Chris Smith was unemployed.

Sweetin said Timmy Smith had no previous drug arrests, but did have a $97,000 tax lien. Chris Smith had a previous drug arrest, but no convictions.

Smith rushed for a Super Bowl-record 204 yards and two touchdowns in the Redskins' 42-10 victory over the Denver Broncos in 1988. He gained weight the following season and never performed at the same level. He last played in the NFL in 1990 with the Dallas Cowboys.